Apple's new interest-free iPhone Upgrade Program is likely to make more customers buy a new handset every year, investment firm UBS believes, calling it a "smart move" that could make the iPhone more of an annuity business.

While it lacks the fanfare of new hardware or software, one of the biggest announcements from Apple this week was its competitive iPhone Upgrade Program. It's actually an interest-free way to pay off your new iPhone and AppleCare+ warranty over a two-year period, with the added option to upgrade your iPhone to the latest model every year.

News was jam-packed ahead of Sept. 9's press event with Apple announcing a Cisco enterprise partnership, and a flood of rumors emerging about things like video content deals, the fourth-generation Apple TV, and a 21.5-inch 4K iMac.

Apple has reportedly confirmed plans to open its first Belgian store in the capital city of Brussels on Sept. 19, erecting a special construction barricade around a building on Avenue Toison d'Or. [updated]

Apple representatives gave local government officials in Tennessee a glimpse at the future of the Apple Store during a recent planning meeting, showing off a design that continues the architectural trends begun with Manhattan's Upper West Side store.

With Apple chief designer Jony Ive and retail head Angela Ahrendts collaborating on major changes to their company's retail experience, a first glimpse of what's to come may debut at a relocated Apple Store near Memphis, Tenn., it was revealed this week.

Electronics retailer Best Buy on Tuesday announced a substantial expansion of its partnership with Apple, a move that will include hundreds of new Apple Watch points of sale as well as a larger Apple presence in Best Buy stores.

The United Arab Emirates is reportedly granting Apple an exemption from foreign ownership laws, allowing it to retain full control of planned operations in the country -- including two new Apple Stores.

Electronics retailer Best Buy has inked a deal with Apple to begin selling authorized warranty extensions for its products, and employees have been told that the new addition will be announced to the public on Sept. 10.

Apple is reportedly beginning to enforce a mandatory policy of standardized, Apple-like product packaging for at least some third-party accessories sold in Apple Stores, according to an internal company memo.

Apple is reportedly set to move its store on Chicago's famous Michigan Avenue down the street into a new riverfront location, with a "mostly below ground" design that will mimic that of its iconic Fifth Avenue location in New York.